The Leithold family breathes new life into the historic Bülow Palace!

The Leithold family breathes new life into the historic Bülow Palace!

The Bülow Palace in Ludwigslust stood empty for a long time and was in danger of being forgotten. But that changed when the Leithold family discovered the historic building and gave it new life. Since 2012, Norbert, Iris and their daughters Frederike and Marie have made it their life's work to restore this 200-year-old palace, which was once built for the confidant of Grand Duke Vollrath von Bülow, and to preserve the history and artistry of the region. According to the Baltic Sea newspaper The Leitholds' original plan was to set up several rental apartments in the palace. But the more they learned about the building, the more their desire to continue the pioneering work of historic preservation grew.

The palace was built in the style of a castle to serve as a retreat for the ducal family. Particularly notable are the papier-mâché decorations used in place of heavy marble work. Such artistic room decoration elements were very popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries. The Mecklenburg-Schwerin website mentions that Duke Friedrich the Pious of Mecklenburg, who once commissioned the palace, set up his own factory for the production and gilding of these papier-mâché decorations for his palace in Ludwigslust. Today, the Leithold family has revitalized this tradition with their own Ludwigslust papier-mâché factory in the palace.

Restoration project with passion

The Leithold family has been dedicating themselves to restoration for 13 years and has discovered some treasures, including hand-painted wallpaper and valuable wall paneling. “It’s not just a project, it’s our life’s work,” says Norbert Leithold. When they purchased it in 2012, the palace was badly damaged, with many historical features lost, and during the GDR era it had been used as a social house, resulting in significant changes. The Page Off to MV reported that the condition of the building was considered to be in danger of collapse.

The Leitholds carried out almost all of the work themselves. Not only did they save a lot of money, but they also gained a more precise understanding of the structural conditions and history of the palace. In addition, they regularly offer guided tours to make the cultural heritage accessible. Visitors can make small souvenirs out of papier-mâché and participate in various workshops that demonstrate the artistry of papier-mâché making.

Experience culture in the palace

The family opens the ballroom of the Palais Bülow for cultural events, concerts and exhibitions by contemporary artists from Mecklenburg. The palace is therefore not only valued as a historical site, but also as a lively place of art and culture. In addition to the guided tours, which are only possible with prior registration, the Leitholds welcome a dance group from Hamburg twice a year for workshops and ball evenings - a wonderful opportunity to combine tradition and modernity.

So if you would like to experience the special flair of this historic building, you can register by email or telephone to gain an insight into the magnificent past and the creative future of the Palais Bülow.